Pocono: Highalator makes it four in-a-row with Great Northeast Open Series score

Highalator, a horse who loves to win, especially at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono, was pushed to the hilt by a game Hitman Hill, but persevered to equal Rodeo Rock’s fastest mile of the local scene, 1:49, in taking a $30,000 division of the Great Northeast Open Series (GNOS) for fast-class pacers on Saturday night.

Rick Still had the son of Somebeachsomewhere away in good order, choosing to tuck in third when I’m A Big Deal and Sports Column chose to argue early, with the former claiming the top by the 26 1/5 quarter. Highalator got little rest as Hitman Hill was out and going near turn two, forcing him to undertake first-over duties before the 54 4/5 half. Highalator rushed in 26 3/5 down the back to clear to the lead by the 1:21 2/5 three-quarters, but Hitman Hill was advancing and threatening through much of the lane, causing Highalator to dig deep to maintain a neck margin to the wire.

Trained by Jenny Bier, co-owner of the winner of $409,028 with Joann Dombeck and Midsize Construction Inc., Highalator continued to be able to grind out the victories – he’s 28 for 61 (46%) lifetime, and 12 for 19 (63%) at Pocono, two of which this year have come in the GNOS.

--press release (PHHA/Pocono)--